Crispy Vietnamese Fried Shrimp

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined 500g (1.1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 cup rice flour 1 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), for serving Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), for serving
• Lettuce leaves, for serving Lettuce leaves, for serving
• Dipping sauce (such as nuoc cham or sweet chili sauce), for serving Dipping sauce (such as nuoc cham or sweet chili sauce), for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, minced garlic, sugar, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice flour and cornstarch. Drain the marinated shrimp and coat them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. 4.
   Serve the Crispy Vietnamese Fried Shrimp with fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, and a dipping sauce of your choice. To enjoy, wrap a shrimp in a lettuce leaf, add herbs, and dip into the sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before marinating them to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain their tenderness.
• Rice flour — The use of rice flour gives the shrimp a light and crispy texture. If you don't have rice flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the result may be slightly different.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the dipping sauce.
• To achieve a crispier coating, double-dip the shrimp in the flour mixture before frying.
• If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of chili flakes in the marinade.
• Serve the Crispy Vietnamese Fried Shrimp as an appetizer, main course, or even as a filling for banh mi sandwiches.
• If you want to make the dish healthier, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Vietnamese Fried Shrimp as a main course accompanied by steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. Alternatively, you can serve it as an appetizer or part of a larger Vietnamese feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Vietnamese Fried Shrimp on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges. Serve the dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside the shrimp. For an elegant touch, you can also serve the shrimp in individual lettuce cups.